Inexpensive VHF Air receiver search

[mmckenna]

With the 125AT, you could show the 10-year old how to use the Civilian Air service search. Push two buttons: function and whatever the service number is (I don't have it in front of me.) No programming involved, but not real efficient either.

Thanks, but as I stated above, I -KNOW- a scanner will do this. If I wanted a scanner, I'd purchase one. I'm very specifically asking for input on radios that are NOT a scanner.

NOT looking for a scanner.

 

[KB2GOM]

Thanks, but as I stated above, I -KNOW- a scanner will do this. If I wanted a scanner, I'd purchase one. I'm very specifically asking for input on radios that are NOT a scanner.

NOT looking for a scanner.

Perhaps this will serve:

The C Crane Skywave receiver tunes AM, FM, shortwave (2.3-26.1 MHz), VHF aviation and even receives the NOAA weather alerts. You can directly enter a frequency or engage the auto scan and store feature. The LCD display is backlit. The clock may be set to 12 or 24 hour format. You have selectable fast or fine tuning on all bands except weather. Tone may be set to Music or Voice. Multiple bandwidths are available to combat interference from stations close on the dial. 400 Memories store your favorite stations. There is an 3.5mm earphone jack on the left side panel. Operation is from two AA alkaline or NiMH batteries (do not use Li-ion). Batteries are not included. An optional SWKWVP AC adapter-charger is available. Comes with CC ear buds, manual and carry case. 4.75 x 3 x 1.2 inches.

Not $50 or less, but under $100.

or this:

Radiwow R-108, around $50.

Amazon.com: RADIWOW R-108 Shortwave AM FM Radio, LW MW AIR Band DSP Full Band Portable Radio Battery Operated with Sleep Timer Alarm Clock 500 Memories preset Stations A Gift for Family: Home Audio & Theater

I know nothing about Radiwow other than what Amazon states.

My experience with CCrane is that they generally make good stuff.

 

[georgesharpe]

Look online for old RadioShack analog scanners. You can find them for less than 50bucks.

 

[georgesharpe]

Recently I've been looking on E Bay for cheap, used RS or Uniden scanners, for Air Band, and it seems that most of the owners are selling most of them for prices that are getting close to the price of a new BC 15X. On Amazon shipping is free, on E Bay it is an extra cost.

 

[spanky15805]

mmckenna, well what did you find?

 

[mmckenna]

mmckenna, well what did you find?

Ended up going with the Sporty's unit. Works fine and not complicated.

 

[scanner_nut]

Listen to Live ATC (Air Traffic Control) Communications | LiveATC.net - Its free

 

[Xray]

You are setting him up to be disappointed and quickly lose interest with a 1 channel at a time cheapo dial scanner with a dinky antenna, might as well not even bother is my suggestion.

 

[xms3200]

Xray, what is your suggestion then

 

[majoco]

Go right back to mmckenna's original post - it's for a 10yo - so as long as there's plenty of chat when tuned to the approach or tower frequency my guess is he/she will be very happy.

 

[Xray]

I have no suggestions for new, simple to program and under $50.
Were we to wave the new requirement I'd recommend a used Pro 2005-5or6. Simple to program, probably one of the best air scanners out there [includes mil air as a bonus, may or may not be a factor depending on location], have no idea what they average selling used.

 

[mmckenna]

Go right back to mmckenna's original post - it's for a 10yo - so as long as there's plenty of chat when tuned to the approach or tower frequency my guess is he/she will be very happy.

You nailed it.

 

[mmckenna]

I have no suggestions for new, simple to program and under $50.
Were we to wave the new requirement I'd recommend a used Pro 2005-5or6. Simple to program, probably one of the best air scanners out there [includes mil air as a bonus, may or may not be a factor depending on location], have no idea what they average selling used.

You completely missed the requirements I was asking for. I'm well aware of what a scanner will do. I specifically did NOT want a scanner.

Anyway, as stated a few posts above, I've already purchased the radio and it's all a moot point.

Thanks for your input, though.

 

[Xray]

My bad, requirement #7, must have missed it !

 

[eorange]

@mmckenna I would've offered you this! Electrolytics not withstanding. And personally assembled by me, many years ago.

 

[mmckenna]

@mmckenna I would've offered you this! Electrolytics not withstanding. And personally assembled by me, many years ago.

Ah, the good ol' days. I remember those. Wish I still had some of those old ## in 1 kits.

 

[eorange]

Yep. I had those too, as I'm sure many of us did.

I just fired it up and piped the audio to a small amplified speaker - it still works! Lots of noise but hearing airband around 120 MHz. Need to correlate the actual frequency with my scanner.

 

[spongella]

SDR dongle and Smartphone app? (If he has a Smartphone).

 

[xms3200]

What make of SDR dongle is it and what app

 

[jaymatt1978]

My suggestion is get him this radio and be done with it. It's literally EXACTLY what you want:
vintage 1970's Realistic 8 Band ASTRONAUT AM-FM SHORTWAVE RADIO WORKS | eBay

You completely missed the requirements I was asking for. I'm well aware of what a scanner will do. I specifically did NOT want a scanner.

Anyway, as stated a few posts above, I've already purchased the radio and it's all a moot point.

Thanks for your input, though.

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